SG EVs in Malaysia: Low-Voltage Safety While Waiting for a Tow | MyMechanic

Why the 12V System Matters in an EV

• The traction (high‑voltage) battery drives the motors, but the 12V system powers critical controls: door locks, hazard lights, brake boosters, contactors, and infotainment.
• When the 12V battery dips, an EV can appear “dead” even with charge left in the main pack. Keeping 12V loads sensible helps visibility and safety while waiting.

First Priorities on the Roadside

• Get fully into the emergency lane: Signal early, move smoothly, keep all four wheels off the live lane, and angle the wheels slightly away from traffic.
• Make the car visible: Hazards on. Use the warning triangle 10–15 meters behind (further at night, rain, or curves).
• Keep people safe: If the shoulder is wide and there’s a barrier, exit on the left and wait behind it. If not, keep everyone belted with hazards on until help arrives.
• Share a precise location: One‑liner: highway + direction + KM marker + last/next exit. Example: “PLUS northbound, KM 198.2, between Pagoh and Yong Peng. Left shoulder, triangle placed.”

Low‑Voltage (12V) Best Practices While Waiting

• Prioritise essential loads only: Keep hazards and low‑beam headlights if it’s dark. Turn off seat heaters, loud HVAC, screens, and non‑essential accessories.
• Manage HVAC smartly: If it’s hot, run A/C briefly to stabilise cabin temperature, then reduce fan speed. If 12V dips or warnings show, minimise draw.
• Avoid repeated restarts: Cycling ON/OFF repeatedly can deepen a 12V issue. If the car won’t “Ready,” wait for assistance.
• Watch the cluster: If multiple system warnings cascade, reduce loads and prepare for a tow. Don’t attempt DIY resets that require pulling fuses or disconnecting the 12V.

What NOT to Do on the Shoulder

• Don’t access orange (HV) cables or covers: Orange = high voltage. Leave all HV components alone.
• Don’t attempt underbody jacking without proper pads: EV battery trays sit low—incorrect jacking can cause costly damage.
• Don’t use wheel‑lift towing on driven axles: EVs typically require a flatbed. Dragging driven wheels risks motor/gear damage.
• Don’t drive if warnings persist or the car won’t “Ready”: Forcing movement can escalate faults and safety risks.

Prepping an EV for a Safe Tow

• Flatbed request: Specify “EV—flatbed only.” If you know the drive layout (RWD/dual‑motor), mention it.
• Tow/transport mode: If the vehicle supports Transport/Tow Mode and it’s safe to enable, do so once. If it fails or disables itself, wait for the crew—don’t keep trying.
• Parking brake: If the parking brake won’t release electronically, the crew will apply dollies/skates. Don’t attempt manual releases unless you know the exact procedure and it’s safe.
• Tie‑down points: Let the crew handle it. Avoid hooking to suspension arms or aero trays.

Common EV Scenarios and Simple Actions

Practical Messages You Can Send

Attach one photo (dash warning or nearest signboard) and keep messages short to save battery.

• “EV stopped. PLUS NB, KM 170.4, before Jasin. Left shoulder, triangle placed. Hazards on, 2 pax. Prefer EV flatbed; can’t get car to Ready.”
• “12V low warnings. Minimising loads. Sending pin. EV flatbed only.”
• “Heavy rain, poor visibility. Safe to wait. EV tow mode failed—need skates/dollies.”

• EV‑aware dispatch: We send flatbeds and crews familiar with tow/transport modes, dollies/skates, and low‑profile loading.
• Safety‑first approach: No HV access roadside. We prioritise controlled loading and correct tie‑down points.
• Route options: Tow to a capable Malaysian workshop or directly back to Singapore—based on symptoms, location, and preference.
• Clear communication: Simple steps, exact location formats, and minimal phone use to preserve battery life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

For EVs, low‑voltage management and clean towing are everything. Protect the 12V system by keeping only essential loads, avoid any HV contact, and request a flatbed with EV‑aware handling. Share a precise highway location, then let trained crews manage tow mode, loading, and tie‑downs. With MyMechanic supporting Singapore EVs across Malaysia, the wait can be safe—and the recovery, damage‑free.

Frequently Asked Questions